What would be better?

Question

Hi.
I have an internet store with a lot of one shot customers. As I have been adding more inventory to the websites I want to remind previous customers that I am still here. In your opinion what would be the better way to do so? Postcards or regular cards with discount coupons? Email advertising would be considered spam right?
Please let me know.
Thank you.

Answer 1

Don't do email advertising- that just pisses people off (unless it comes with a discount code/coupon).

Simply send an email or physically mail a simple little thank you card that also encourages them to purchase from you again.

Answer 2

Since you have already done business with your customers, I don't think your customers would consider your email "spam".

However, it's nice to receive a postcard in the mail, too. You could send postcards to your customers, with an offer for repeat customers. This lets the customer know that you haven't forgotten their last purchase and you hope they come back. Sending a postcard may cost more, but it shows more effort.

You could then send out an email, asking anyone who didn't receive a postcard, to contact you through email for their customer loyalty coupon!

Answer 3

Go with the e-mail, if they provided you with their info and they have purchased from you previously, I'm sure they wouldn't mind hearing from you again.

Coupons are always great, meke the customer feel exclusive, like you are offering them something that you only offer to preferred or priveliged customers. Postcards are great, but honestly don't you think that when... say a person goes to their mailbox they have a mindset that they are expecting "junk mail" and have a mindset that anything that doesn't appear official goes right into the trash pile?

E-mail approaches a person on a personal level, they set aside time to consider actually what it is that is being sent to them. I mean let's be serious..who doesn't check their junk folder?

Good Luck!!

Answer 4

People tend to throw cards that appear to be marketing with all kinds of stuff in it right to the trash can. I'd suggest a great postcard - with a discount code for previous customers. Postcard maina does some really great ones. You really have to produce something halfway decent to get attention. If you're printing them yourself - you need to do something laminated or on waterproof heavy enough paper. If you do them yourself - make sure to go to the post office to get their regulations on how they need to be set up.

Answer 5

Email advertising won't work well, you're right. I think the discount coupon idea would be the best. Or perhaps, to get them back into your store, you can offer a free gift. That always brings me in. Don't tell them what it is, but make it cute and inexpensive. Their curiosity will make them respond.

Answer 6

Not spam if they've signed up with you. Send a coupon or special *alerts* to keep customers in touch. But don't do it too often or they won't get read.
Christmas is coming up, so I think it's the perfect time for a little promotion!
Good luck!

Answer 7

Never send me anything reminding me you want my money. Instead - give me a reason while I am already shopping, to return.

Answer 8

i guess a few discount coupons wouldnt hurt.

Answer 9

post cards?

Answer 10

Great idea!